Last spring frost
May 16
Frost Dates for Vale, SD
First fall frost
Sep 26
Growing season
131 days
Hardiness zone
4b
In an average year around Vale, SD, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 16 and the first fall frost is about Sep 26, giving roughly a 131-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 4 before setting out tender plants.
Last spring frost
Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Jun 6 | May 25 | May 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 27 | May 16 | May 4 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 21 | May 6 | Apr 23 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 12 | Apr 27 | Apr 12 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 6 | Jun 1 | May 30 | May 27 | May 25 | May 23 | May 21 | May 17 | May 14 |
| 32°F | May 27 | May 24 | May 21 | May 18 | May 16 | May 13 | May 11 | May 8 | May 4 |
| 28°F | May 21 | May 15 | May 12 | May 9 | May 6 | May 4 | May 2 | Apr 28 | Apr 23 |
| 24°F | May 12 | May 6 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 24 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 |
| 20°F | May 1 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 |
| 16°F | Apr 23 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 22 |
First fall frost
Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Sep 1 | Sep 17 | Sep 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 11 | Sep 26 | Oct 8 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 18 | Oct 3 | Oct 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | Sep 26 | Oct 12 | Oct 25 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 1 | Sep 7 | Sep 11 | Sep 14 | Sep 17 | Sep 19 | Sep 22 | Sep 25 | Sep 28 |
| 32°F | Sep 11 | Sep 17 | Sep 20 | Sep 23 | Sep 26 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 8 |
| 28°F | Sep 18 | Sep 24 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 13 | Oct 18 |
| 24°F | Sep 26 | Oct 2 | Oct 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 25 |
| 20°F | Oct 2 | Oct 10 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 2 |
| 16°F | Oct 13 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 13 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Red Owl, Sd, about 5.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,773 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
How we calculate these dates
Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Vale, SD?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Vale, SD is about May 16. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 4.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Vale, SD typically arrives about Sep 26. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.
When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?
Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around May 16 on average, or May 4 to be safe most years.
How long is the growing season here?
The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 131 days in a typical year.
Are these dates a forecast for this year?
No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.
Local weather for 57787 Planting calendar → South Dakota frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026